HONOLULU – The Hawaii State Department of Health Injury Prevention Program in partnership with the Prevent Suicide Hawaii Task Force and Hawaii Chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is announcing the schedule of community events to be held on each island in recognition of National Suicide Prevention Month in September. Each year, events are held to increase awareness about suicide prevention and the resources available to support families. This year’s national theme is “Strong Alone; Stronger Together.”

Suicide is a significant public health problem in Hawaii. “The impact suicide has on the lives of family members, friends, co-workers and the community is devastating,” said Eric Tash, chair of the Hawaii Chapter, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “The loss of human potential is enormous. Fortunately, there is hope; most suicides are preventable.”

Hawaii data on suicides

It is estimated that one person dies by suicide in Hawaii every two days.

Suicide was the most common cause of fatal injuries among Hawaii residents over the five-year period 2010-2015, accounting for nearly one-quarter of all fatal injuries.

Suicide is the leading cause of death in Hawaii for those ages 15-34, surpassing deaths from cancer, heart disease and other types of injuries.

National data on suicides:

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, with one suicide occurring on average every 12.95 minutes.

An average of one young person dies by suicide every one hour and 48 minutes. The elderly makes up 12.6 percent of the population, but comprise 15.7 percent of all suicides.

An estimated 1 million Americans attempt suicide each year.

An estimated 4.6 million Americans are survivors of the suicide of a friend, family member, or loved one.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is sponsoring statewide “Out of the Darkness” walks in partnership with the Prevent Suicide Hawaii Task Forces on most islands to honor loved ones who died by suicide. The public is encouraged to participate at the following locations:

Sept. 10, Mental Health America of Hawaii’s Youth Leadership Council for Suicide Prevention social media campaign for World Suicide Prevention Day. Pictures will be posted and shared, including the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline phone number (800-273-TALK) and the Crisis Text line (TEXT START to 741-741) with the hashtag #hopemovement. Contact Mara Pike at (808) 521-1846 or email [email protected]

Sept. 10 (10 a.m. – 2 p.m.) Prevent Veterans Ride Against Suicide and community activities for mental and physical wellness at the University of Hawaii, Maui College Campus. Email Mona Cherry at [email protected] or Aris Banaag at [email protected]